The ex-member of pop group JLS joined the series when it was broadcast on BBC One in 2014.

ITV is yet to announce the judging panel, but 2016 coaches will.i.am, Ricky Wilson, Paloma Faith and Boy George were popular with viewers.

Former Liberty X star Kevin Simm, coached by Ricky, won the last ever BBC One edition of The Voice UK earlier this year.

Kevin Simm won The Voice in 2016 (Guy Levy/Wall To Wall/BBC)

The winner of the 2017 series will be given a record contract with Polydor Records, home to global music stars such as Take That and Ellie Goulding.

The nationwide search to find a new singing talent is now under way, with producers' auditions visiting six cities across the UK this summer. All musical vocalists are welcome to apply, either as soloists or duos.